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Cheers Charlotte is a weekly podcast exploring the world of craft beer, homebrew, great food and good living in the Queen City. If you like Charlotte Beer, you're going to love our show.

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Episode 237 – The 2019 Charlotte Craft Beer Week

Charlotte Beer Week is back this year with some new locations and new events planned. Lindsay Sprick is one of the organizers of this year's festivities and joins us to break down all that's happening. Be on the lookout for more details for this year's Charlotte Beer Week March 29th through April 7th.

We love the Queen City Brewers Festival so of course, we were back this year to record and judge the best of show competition. This year we had a new brewery on the scene King Canary Brewing in Mooresville. Plus, Melissa Bruno joins us to talk about this years Biere De Femme Festival in Asheville. Next, we talk with Best of Show 1st place winner Adam Glover of Seaboard Brewing with his Carrot Cake Meteor IPA and Jeff Fissel executive director of the NC Brewers and Music Festival to get the low down on this year's festival in May. Of course, executive director of the festival Nils Weldy sits down with us too to discuss the festival and what you’ll see at next years event.

We’re so thrilled to sit down with Scott Worthington (head brewer) and Kurt Hogan (co-founder and owner) from Heist Brewing. We sat down at Heist’s new production facility and tap room, appropriately named, Heist Brewing and Barreled Arts. Take a listen and find out why you have to check out this great new addition to the Charlotte beer scene. We’re sure it will become one of your favorite go-to spots in the Queen City.

We’re so thrilled to sit down with Scott Worthington (head brewer) and Kurt Hogan (co-founder and owner) from Heist Brewing. We sat down at Heist’s new production facility and tap room, appropriately named, Heist Brewing and Barreled Arts. Take a listen and find out why you have to check out this great new addition to the Charlotte beer scene. We’re sure it will become one of your favorite go-to spots in the Queen City.

This weeks’ webcast brings you a preview of the 2019 Queen City Brewers Festival. The director of the festival, Nils Weldy, gives us the rundown of what to expect this year. We’ll be recording live so be sure to stop by and raise your glass with us.

We’re closing out 2017 with our annual end of year Charlotte Beer review with Matt McKenzie – Charlotte Magazine, Daniel Hartis – CharlotteFive.com and Jonathan Wells – Olde Hickory Brewing. Special thanks to The Cellar at Duckworth’s for hosting us on location this week. And a special cheers worthy thank you to Eric Gaddy of Casting Shadows Photography for capturing our episode on film.

Jay Weezie had the chance to sit down with the brewmaster of Sixpoint Brewery Eric Bachli to discuss a few things. They get into the acquisition of Sixpoint by Artisanal Brewing Ventures, the changes Eric has made to the line up of beers at Sixpoint, what his plans are for the brewing facility at 4001 Yancey and how he sees the beer culture in America going in the next few years.

Aaron Williams - Brand Coordinator of Monday Night Brewing talks about their core beers, their place in the Atlanta beer scene, and where he likes to go to enjoy a pint in Atlanta. Raise your glass high!

Cesar got to visit New Orleans last week and met with Scott Wood, owner and founder of Courtyard Brewing. We chat with Scott about the history of brewing in New Orleans and about his inspiration for the vast variety of beers Courtyard has to offer. Then we talk with Daan Muller of the Fermentation Nation Podcast to get the scoop on what breweries you should be visiting when you travel to New Orleans.

To get you informed on the Cleveland beer scene we talk with Steve Forman head pub brewer for Great Lakes Brewing Company. We go over the core beers and talk about some of the special releases you can only get at his brewpub in the Ohio City party of Cleveland. Then we talk with Marc Bona of Cleveland.com to get the scoop on what breweries you should be visiting when you travel to The Land.

Grab your umbrella and rainboots because we’re visiting Seattle. We’re talking with Adam Robbings Co-Founder and Brewmaster at Reuben’s Brews. It’s always great to talk with a homebrewer turned commercial brewer. Find out what makes Reuben’s one of Seattle’s top brewery destinations. We learn more about the Seattle beer scene with Kendall Jones of the Washington Beer Blog. If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northeast, be sure you’re ready to take notes during this episode. We top off our Washington experience with fresh Salmon sandwiches from chef Rob Masone of Twisted Eats- If you haven’t had his jalapeno candied bacon, WTF are you waiting for? A special #CheersWorthy shoutout to Hoppin’ CLT for hosting us in their upstairs lounge for this week’s episode.

The NFL season is here and for this season we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city the Panthers are playing.
Following an abysmal loss to the Steelers the Panthers hope to bounce back against the Detroit Lions this week. We are getting you ready by talking with Mark Rieth owner of Detroit's largest brewery Atwater Brewing Company. Then our Beer Scene Know It All is Rex Halfpenny of the online and print publication Michigan Beer Guide. Big thanks to Kit at Trackside Crafts for hosting us last as he prepares for his two year anniversary this weekend.
Special thanks to our awesome sponsors: 2019 Queen City Brewers Festival, Dover Vineyards, Southern Strain Brewing and Sublmnl Design.
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Raise your glass high… Cheers, Charlotte!!

We’re hitting the road in search of beer. This week’s special podcast will highlight two awesome ways to find your next brewery when traveling. We’re talking with Ann Layman, co-founder of HopPlotter. HopPlotter is mix between Yelp, Google Maps and Untappd- it’s a great tool to find the best breweries when you’re traveling anywhere in the world. If your travels take you across North Carolina, you need the 2nd edition of The NC Beer Map. We have a great conversation with Paul Bright of EDIA Maps about this new incarnation of the NC Beer Map. Be sure to get your copy of the map and grab a couple for gifts.

We’re live from P1 listener, Loran Sekely’s house for this week's’ Panthers preview show. As the cats head up to Pittsburgh to beat the Steelers, we’re sitting in Loran’s living room talking about all things Pittsburgh. From the famous Primanti Bros sandwiches to one of Pittsburgh’s finest breweries- Dancing Gnome. We have a great conversation with Dancing Gnome’s Ryan Janusko and Scott Mitchell back when there were in Charlotte for Resident Culture’s CANnaversay Party. We also hear from Jason Cercone who runs Breaking Brews. So grab your terrible towel and belly up to this week’s Cheers Charlotte NFL rundown.

We’re live from P1 listener, Loran Sekely’s house for this week's’ Panthers preview show. As the cats head up to Pittsburgh to beat the Steelers, we’re sitting in Loran’s living room talking about all things Pittsburgh. From the famous Primanti Bros sandwiches to one of Pittsburgh’s finest breweries- Dancing Gnome. We have a great conversation with Dancing Gnome’s Ryan Janusko and Scott Mitchell back when there were in Charlotte for Resident Culture’s CANnaversay Party. We also hear from Jason Cercone who runs Breaking Brews. So grab your terrible towel and belly up to this week’s Cheers Charlotte NFL rundown.

We’re visiting the Sunshine State for this week’s NFL showdown. The Carolina Panthers are squaring off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We’re talking with Neil Callaghan from Cigar City Brewing. Neil, aka El Lector, tells us about the history of Florida’s more sought after brewery. We’re also talking with Chris Fairchild, executive director Tampa Bay Beer Week, about the where and what to do when taking a beercation in Tampa.

We’re visiting the Sunshine State for this week’s NFL showdown. The Carolina Panthers are squaring off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We’re talking with Neil Callaghan from Cigar City Brewing. Neil, aka El Lector, tells us about the history of Florida’s more sought after brewery. We’re also talking with Chris Fairchild, executive director Tampa Bay Beer Week, about the where and what to do when taking a beercation in Tampa.

We are rolling right along with our Cheers vs The NFL and up this week is Baltimore Maryland. Ryan Belton from Diamondback Brewing joins us to talk about this newish brewery. Then Dominic Cantalupo from Baltimore Beer Week joins us to talk about the scene there and finally Michael Olert from the Baltimore Crab Cake Company food truck here is Charlotte feeds us some of his award-winning crab cakes.

We are rolling right along with our Cheers vs The NFL and up this week is Baltimore Maryland. Ryan Belton from Diamondback Brewing joins us to talk about this newish brewery. Then Dominic Cantalupo from Baltimore Beer Week joins us to talk about the scene there and finally Michael Olert from the Baltimore Crab Cake Company food truck here is Charlotte feeds us some of his award-winning crab cakes.

The Philadelphia Eagles are next up on the schedule so this week we talked with 2SP Brewings Joey McCaffery about the new brewery just outside of Philly. Then Erin Wallace owner of The Devils’s Den and co-leader of The Pink Boots Society Philadelphia chapter joins us to talk about what the hot breweries are in the city and what craft beer bars you should hit when you visit.

The Philadelphia Eagles are next up on the schedule so this week we talked with 2SP Brewings Joey McCaffery about the new brewery just outside of Philly. Then Erin Wallace owner of The Devils’s Den and co-leader of The Pink Boots Society Philadelphia chapter joins us to talk about what the hot breweries are in the city and what craft beer bars you should hit when you visit.

The NFL season is here and for this season we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city the Panthers are playing. We’re beaming down the beer scene from our nation’s capital. As the Panthers face off with the Redskins, we’re learning about DC’s top-rated brewery- Bluejacket. Thanks to Bluejacket’s Beer Director […]

The NFL season is here and for this season we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city the Panthers are playing. We’re beaming down the beer scene from our nation’s capital. As the Panthers face off with the Redskins, we’re learning about DC’s top-rated brewery- Bluejacket. Thanks to Bluejacket’s Beer Director […]

The NFL season is here and for this season we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city the Panthers are playing.

Week 3 - Cincinnati, Ohio
Listen up as we talk with Mike Stuart the Director of People and Social Strategy at Madtree Brewing. Basically he gets to talk about beer! So we get into the history of Madtree Brewing, talk about their core beers, and we share with him a story from when Ford and Weezie took a trip to Cincinnati a few years back.

After that The Gnarly Gnome a blogger and podcaster in Cincinnati joins us to give us rundown of the best beer bars and bottles shops in the area for you to hit.

If you’ve ever been to Cincinnati you know the meal that is a staple is Chili Mac. Chili on top spaghetti noodles with shredded cheddar cheese and onions. Lupies Cafe in Charlotte does this dish as good as anyone and they were nice enough to let us try it. Stop by Lupies if you’ve never been and visit this Charlotte institution.

The NFL season is here and for this season we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city the Panthers are playing.

Week 2 - Atlanta, Georgia

This week we talked with Scofflaw Brewing from Atlanta. COO JP Watts and Brewmaster Travis Herman talk about the philosophy behind Scofflaw Brewing, the beers you can find on shelves and the special releases they do. Plus their partnership with Brewdogs that allows them to produce a lot more beer.

The NFL season is here and for this season we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city the Panthers are playing.

Week 2 - Atlanta, Georgia

This week we talked with Scofflaw Brewing from Atlanta. COO JP Watts and Brewmaster Travis Herman talk about the philosophy behind Scofflaw Brewing, the beers you can find on shelves and the special releases they do. Plus their partnership with Brewdogs that allows them to produce a lot more beer.

The NFL season is here and for the next 16 weeks we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city the Panthers are playing. Week 1 – Dallas, TX. Owner of Lakewood Brewing Wim Bens joins us to talk about his brewery. Opened in 2012 its one of the original breweries […]

The NFL season is here and for the next 13 episodes we’ll be talking with a brewery and beer influencer from each city our Panthers are playing. Week 1 – Dallas, TX. Owner of Lakewood Brewing Wim Bens joins us to talk about his brewery which opened in 2012 and is one of the original […]

We’re at Unknown Brewing talking with Head Brewer Chris Wertman. We got to enjoy Unknown’s new rooftop patio as folks all around us pregamed for the Carolina Panthers preseason game against the Patriots. We talked to Chris about new things brewing up at the brewery including some of our favorite beers from past, and new recipes that Chris and Brad have been formulating. Be sure to stop by and check out Unknown next time you find yourself near the stadium.

Just down the road from Charlotte is the town of Mt. Pleasant. No more than a year ago this farming community was home to little more than a What-A-Burger and a bunch of fishing holes. (The Avett Brothers are officially from Concord) Now a new industry has sprung up, and it’s what our country grandparents always warned us about, booze! Southern Grace Distillery has taken up home in the old prison as their bonded manufacturing facility. We were hosted by owner, Leanne Powell, and head distiller, Sebastian Correa, on a private tour to check out the revamped cell blocks and hot box. This jail has become a tourist destination for Mt. Pleasant and it is worth the trip. Thanks to updated NC alcohol laws you can now purchase up to 5 bottles of their bourbon or whiskey at the company store and they host monthly late night ghost tours! We then traveled no more than a couple of miles up the road to Downtown Mt. Pleasant and to the home of 73 & Main, a new upscale steak and bourbon restaurant. Majority owned by local Dr. Allen Dobson, who we were privileged to have join our table us for dinner and a bourbon sampling, this restaurant was designed to bring the locals what they desired. We were treated to fine steaks, exceptional seafood and an impressive appetizer sampler paired with Southern Grace bourbon inspired cocktails and an all NC tap list. GM Anthony Misuraca explained our dishes and drinks just like you would expect from a big city establishment and was a refreshing taste of service that the rural parts of the county have long struggled with. Southern Grace and 73 & Main should be commended for what they bring to their small town and are sure to be examples for small business for years to come.

We sat down with Nikki Wolfe, Community and Marketing Director, from Yelp Charlotte to talk about Charlotte beer, restaurants, tire shops and much more. Find out how Yelp has changed the way people find recommendations for all good things in life. We’re recording live from Sugar Creek Brewing. Brewmaster Todd Franklin and General Manager Bradley Leach talk about winning big at the US Open of Beer with their Belgian Dubbel.

We’re back at Jay’s not so private pool for another edition of our 4th of July/Anniversary episode. We take a look back at another great year of Cheers Charlotte Radio. We had to pull a few clips to jog our memory from the past 12 months. What have been your favorite moments from Cheers Charlotte? Share them on social media and tag us.

Artisan Beverage Group is a local craft beer and cider distributor based in Charlotte and they recently celebrated their 3 year anniversary. We sat down with owners and married couple Taylor and Sara Mcdermott about their company and how they have seen the beer industry landscape change over the last few years.

This week we headed up Highway 321 to Boone, North Carolina. We talked with Chris Riley General Manager of Peabodys Beer and Wine about his 15 years in Boone and how the beer scene has changed in his time in Boone.

Then we sat down with Tim Herdklotz from Booneshine Brewing and Andy Mason from Lost Province Brewing. Both staples in Boone.

After that we had Brett Taubman a chemistry professor in the Fermentation Sciences program at Appalachian State University talk about the programs start. Alongside him his former pupil and brewmaster at Appalachian Mountain Brewery Nathan Kelischeck joins us to talk about Boone’s biggest brewery.

Finally we are joined by our food sponsor for this week Basil Fresh Pasta and Deli owner Patrick Sullivan. This deli is also the tap room for Booneshine Brewing and has its pulse on what Boone like to eat.

This week we are back at one of our favorite beer festivals! The North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival at Rural Hill in Huntersville, NC combines craft beer, craft goods, bluegrass music and camping. This year we talked with owner of Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery, Matt Gusmer about the latest and greatest down in York, SC. Allison Simkins Director of Operations at Brhamari Brewing in Asheville, NC gives us an update on the brewery. John Murtiashaw a road warrior for Eno Hammocks "hangs" out with us for a segment. Then for the second half of the festival we talked with Andrea Demarcus and Dave Kirslis of the band Cicada Rhythm, and our homebrewer friend Jim Purvis shares a pineapple IPA he brewed at D9 Brewing and from Wooden Robot. Last and also least, Mikey Foster sits down with us to talk about whats new at The Bot.

Say cheese! You can never have too much cheese- especially when you’re talking with Rachel Klebaur, owner of Orrman's Cheese Shop. Rachel discusses her shop in 7th Street Market, her favorite Cheese with beer, and she demonstrates the technique of Raclette cheese. Check out our Facebook page for video of the process.

We’re live from the 4th Annual Whales for Wishes Bottle Share recorded at The Barrel Room at Resident Culture Brewing on Sunday, April 22. Organizers Betsy Pence and Mark Iafrate sit down with us to talk about this great event. Just like last year, 100% of the proceeds raised go to granting the wishes of children in our community through Make-A-Wish Central and Western NC.

Welcome Charlotte’s newest brewery, Divine Barrel Brewing. We’re in the taproom with Gavin Toth (manages stuff) and Ben Dolphens (head brewer and co-founder). We’ve been waiting a while for this episode. Come by and try some of their great beer in NoDA!

Jay and Ford talk with David Walker, co-owner, and CEO of the California brewery Firestone Walker. They get into their sale to Duvel Moortgat Brewery, why they chose North Carolina as their next state to expand to, and the philosophy behind their beers. Plus Jason Glunt sits down to give us an update on the progress of their kitchen and what's happening with Salud Cerveceria.

Rob Tod, the founder of Allagash Brewing Company, joins us to talk about the origins of his brewery, his philosophy behind brewing Belgian beers and where he sees the beer business going in the next few years.

Karri Hahn joins us to talk about the Craft Beer Business Essentials class that University of North Carolina Charlotte is doing. With local and regional speakers this class will teach you all about the business side of the beer industry.

Phil Buchy president of Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance joins us to talk about their new organization announcement. CIBA is an independent organization who focuses on education and advocacy to advance Charlotte based breweries.

Brent Manning from Riverbend Malthouse and Jen Blair Executive Director of the North American Craft Maltsters Guild. What’s a craft malthouse? There are guidelines to malt just like beer. Listen in to this week’s episode to learn all about this essential beer ingredients.

Did you catch us recording live at this year’s Queen City Brewers Festival? We had a great time judging the Super Beer as well as sitting down with some of Charlotte’s newest breweries.
In this episode we spoke with: Rob Jack and Russ Conrad from Seaboard Brewing, Dan Hyde from Hyde Brewing, Dan Davis from Suffolk Punch David Gonzáles and Alex Shoenthal of Rivermen Brewing, Jeff Fissel Executive Director of Rural Hill and Capture The Crown winner Brandon Foster.

Whoa! Another big episode for you to enjoy. Founder’s Brewing had a big announcement this week. We are joined by head brewer, Jeremy Kosmicki and Founder’s founder, Dave Engbers. Listen in as we’re live from Brawley’s Beverage as Jeremy and Dave tell us about the history and vision of Founder’s Brewing. Special thanks to Brawley’s for hosting us and Founder’s rep Jessie Robinson for making this episode happen.

Steve and Travis Tolson are the two brothers behind Amor Artis Brewing in Fort Mill, SC. The latest brewery to open in the Charlotte Metro Area is just 20 min south of the city. Listen in to hear about the history and passion behind the craft brews at Amor Artis. Be sure to take the trip south of the state line border to give them a visit.

We’re talking with Tom Michael, tattooer at 510 Expert Tattoo in Charlotte, about getting a tattoo. Cheers Charlotte always brings you interviews from top leading experts and this is no exception. Tom has honed the art of tattooing. Listen in as we discuss how to choose a tattooer, the art and what to expect.

We’re closing out 2017 with our annual end of year Charlotte Beer review with Matt McKenzie – Charlotte Magazine, Daniel Hartis – Charlotte Beer & All About Beer and Jonathan Wells – Charlotte Agenda. Special thanks to The Cellar at Duckworth’s for hosting us on location this week. And a special cheers worthy thank you to Eric Gaddy of Casting Shadows Photography for capturing our episode on film.

We’re live from the 2017 Salud’s Sourfest- Let Me Take You On A Funky Ride. We have a full show packed with great interviews from some of the leading sour blenders and brewers in North Carolina and across the country.

John Mallet Director of Operations at Bell's Brewery joins us to talk about the brewery being in North Carolina for 10 years now. We also get into his background, the books he has authored, and what is next for Bell’s Brewing.

We hit 200 episodes. Thanks to the support of the Charlotte craft beer community, we’ve been able to put together 200 great episodes. We’ve interviewed hundreds of homebrewers, pro-brewers, restaurant owners, CEO’s, authors, musicians, and much more. We’re live from Heist Brewing with our 200th episode and celebration bottle share. Will you be at our 400th party?

Larry Suggs and Amanda Britton – The popular bartending couple joins us to talk about the craft cocktail scene in Charlotte. We also get into their consulting business, education classes and the Charlotte chapter of the Bartenders Guild they helped found. Check them out at CrownTown Collective. In The News 2018 Capture The Crown Homebrew […]

It was a beautiful day in Salisbury last Saturday. We were lucky enough to make it to the NC Homebrew Invitational where some of North and South Carolina homebrewers got together to share awesome home brews. This week’s episode includes interviews with Deb Griffith founder of Pink Mugs Society a woman only Homebrew club in […]

We are on location from Resident Culture Brewing in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. We sat down with head brewer, Chris “Tropes” Tropeano, to talk about this exciting new brewery. If you haven’t visited this gem, be sure you stop by as soon as possible.